Varun Satia said recruiters are hiring selectively with sharper expectations from early-career candidates
Author: admin
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Entry-level digital marketing hiring remains steady, Kraftshala report flags skill shift
New Delhi, January 21, 2026: Entry-level digital marketing hiring in India remained steady through 2025, with recruiters placing greater emphasis on skills and role readiness, according to Kraftshala’s Digital Marketing Hiring Trends Report 2025.
Agencies continued to drive the bulk of hiring, accounting for close to 70 percent of entry-level roles. Brand-side hiring volumes were lower, but the report noted that these roles were 62 percent more likely to offer higher CTCs, reflecting expectations around ownership, analytical ability, and direct business impact.
Workplace preferences showed limited change during the year. The report found that 91.5 percent of roles in 2025 were in-office or hybrid, with employers continuing to prioritise collaboration, faster learning cycles, and on-ground problem-solving for early-career hires.
Varun Satia, Founder and CEO of Kraftshala, said entry-level digital marketing hiring in India is becoming more deliberate rather than slowing down. He said recruiters are continuing to hire, but with sharper expectations around fundamentals, application of skills, and readiness for real-world work.
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Indo French fashion innovation initiative to feature special R Elan Circular Design Challenge edition
The Embassy of France in India, the French Institute in India, Reliance Industries Limited, the United Nations in India and the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode will collaborate on the 2026 edition marking the India France Year of Innovation
A special Indo French edition of the R Elan Circular Design Challenge will be organised in 2026 as part of the India France Year of Innovation. The initiative is being developed through a collaboration between the Embassy of France in India, the French Institute in India, Reliance Industries Limited, the United Nations in India and the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode.
The R Elan Circular Design Challenge originated in India and was developed in collaboration with the United Nations in India and Lakmē Fashion Week. Over time, it has evolved into an international platform supporting young designers and entrepreneurs working across fashion, sustainability, and innovation. The initiative promotes circular design practices throughout the fashion and textile value chain, with a focus on responsible production and long term impact.The 2026 edition reflects a shared objective between France and India to deepen cooperation in sustainable fashion and creative innovation. The partnership draws on France’s established global influence in fashion and the increasing presence of Indian designers on the Paris Fashion Week calendar. The collaboration follows the exhibition Textile Matters Woven stories between India and France, which concluded in Paris earlier this year and highlighted cross cultural influences between the two countries.
As part of the initiative, French designers specialising in sustainable and circular fashion will be identified, and a regional European jury will be convened in Paris during the summer of 2026. The Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode will serve as the institutional partner for this phase of the programme. A dedicated Indo French jury comprising French fashion industry professionals will also be constituted.The collaboration will culminate in the international finale and fashion showcase of the R Elan Circular Design Challenge. The showcase is scheduled to take place during Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI in Delhi in October 2026, with the Embassy of France in India hosting the event.
The initiative positions cultural and creative industries as key contributors to addressing sustainability challenges. It also reinforces long term institutional dialogue between France and India in the fields of fashion, innovation, and design.At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.
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A new chapter in residential development unfolds for Runwal Realty
Sonam Kapoor, brand ambassador for Runwal Realty, joined the leadership team to mark the Auris Serenity Tower 4 association in Malad West
A new residential development agreement has been finalised by Runwal Realty, marking the company’s latest addition to its portfolio in Mumbai. The deal has been signed in association with Transcon and Sheth Creators for Auris Serenity Tower 4, with the project located in Malad West. The development will be launched following statutory approvals and is planned as a low density residential tower.
The occasion was marked by actor Sonam Kapoor, who is associated with Runwal Realty as its brand ambassador. The association reflects the company’s ongoing focus on design led residential developments across established urban markets.Planned as a premium residential tower, the project is expected to rise over more than 60 floors, with the first habitable level positioned at a height of 100 feet to enhance light, ventilation, and privacy. Part of an eight acre development, the tower will offer three and four bedroom residences with six apartments per floor, increased floor to floor height, expansive windows, and large decks. Homes are expected to offer views of the sea, surrounding greenery, nearby precincts, and the city skyline.
The development places emphasis on experience driven amenities intended to support everyday living. Key features include the Sunrise Pavilion and the Candlelight Trail, alongside more than 40 lifestyle amenities such as landscaped leisure areas, water features, recreational zones, and community spaces designed to encourage interaction and wellness within the residential complex.Located off New Link Road at Kanchpada in Malad West, the project will offer access to SV Road and the Western Express Highway. Connectivity is supported by proximity to Malad Railway Station and Metro Line 2A. The area is also close to established retail destinations and social infrastructure, with major malls and upcoming transport links expected to further improve accessibility.
The project adds to Runwal Realty’s portfolio of residential developments across Mumbai and reflects the company’s approach toward creating homes that balance connectivity with spatial quality. The developer has focused on timely delivery across its projects, particularly in the luxury and premium housing segments where execution certainty remains critical.Commenting on the development, Saurabh Runwal of Runwal Realty said that the company approaches residential projects with a focus on long term liveability, design relevance, and spatial planning. He stated that the Malad project has been conceived as a thoughtfully planned residential tower that prioritises comfort, openness, and privacy.
Sonam Kapoor said that the project reflects an approach to residential design that values openness, mindful planning, and attention to detail. She noted that her association with Runwal Realty aligns with her belief in homes that are personal, purposeful, and enduring in nature.
With several completed and ongoing developments across Mumbai, Thane, and Pune, Runwal Realty continues to expand its residential footprint while maintaining a focus on design, execution discipline, and long term relevance.At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.
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A fixed Monday to Sunday schedule returns with the launch of Kutingg, a new digital platform
At the launch event, Sanjay Dwivedi, Nitin Burman, and Meghna Joshi outlined Kutingg’s weekly slate spanning fiction, vertical series, and non-fiction formats
India, January 20, 2026: Kutingg has officially launched as a new digital entertainment platform under the Balaji Telefilms umbrella, introducing a fixed Monday to Sunday programming schedule built around original fiction, vertical series, and non-fiction formats.
The platform has been designed for mobile-first audiences and opens with a structured weekly lineup that assigns specific formats and titles to designated days. Kutingg goes live with original programming that includes long-format family dramas, binge-style fiction, vertical short-form series, and non-fiction shows.The launch event was attended by Balaji Telefilms Group CEO and CFO Sanjay Dwivedi, Chief Revenue Officer Nitin Burman, and Head of Content Meghna Joshi, along with cast members from Kutingg’s original shows, including Iqbal Khan, Sharad Malhotra, Abigail Pande, Shehzad Sheikh, Chahat Pandey, and Aishwarya Sakhuja.
Sanjay Dwivedi, Group CEO and CFO, Balaji Telefilms, said the platform reflects a focused step in the company’s digital journey, built around consistent and familiar viewing habits. He said the original slate is intended to support everyday entertainment through diversified formats and a disciplined content approach, with the objective of building Kutingg as a family-friendly digital destination.Nitin Burman, Chief Revenue Officer, Balaji Telefilms, said the programming strategy mirrors real viewing behaviour across short bursts, appointment viewing, and daily engagement. He said the structured slate offers opportunities for brands and partners to connect with audiences across multiple formats while the platform scales.
Meghna Joshi, Head of Content, said the slate has been curated to fit into everyday viewing patterns, combining family dramas, binge-worthy originals, vertical formats, and non-fiction shows designed specifically for mobile consumption. She said the aim was to ensure that viewers have consistent programming options across the week.Kutingg officially launched on 19 January 2026 with an opening slate that includes Saas Bahu aur Swaad airing Monday to Thursday, Missing Priya streaming every Friday, Janlewa Ishq and Romeo Ke Dil Mein Juliet releasing on Saturdays, and the non-fiction title Honestly Why Not? airing on Sundays.
The platform has also announced upcoming original titles including Mujhe Tu Chahiye, ACP Vikrant, Jaffna Hills, and Ghar Tera Mera, along with multiple vertical series and family drama projects planned for release as part of its ongoing content pipeline.At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.
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Fintech acquisition strengthens digital banking ambitions at UST
Manu Gopinath, President of UST, says the addition of Tailwind expands capabilities in core banking modernization and AI driven financial services
UST has acquired fintech firm Tailwind Business Ventures as part of its strategy to expand its presence in digital banking solutions and support services. The acquisition strengthens UST’s capabilities in core banking modernization while extending its operational footprint across multiple geographies, including South America.
Tailwind Business Ventures is headquartered in Texas and has operations in Brazil. Founded in 2003 as Integritas Solutions Group, the company later expanded its global delivery presence to Sri Lanka and Portugal. With a workforce of over 220 employees worldwide, Tailwind brings domain expertise in banking and financial services that aligns with UST’s focus on technology led transformation.The acquisition comes at a time when demand for digital banking implementation and support services continues to rise among banks and credit unions. UST expects the integration of Tailwind’s capabilities to enhance its ability to deliver technology solutions across the banking lifecycle, particularly in emerging and high growth markets.
Commenting on the acquisition, Manu Gopinath, President of UST, said that Tailwind’s core banking expertise complements UST’s strengths in modernization, artificial intelligence, and enterprise transformation. He stated that the combined capabilities provide greater scale to address complex banking challenges while supporting customer experience, system integration, and security requirements.He added that the acquisition positions UST to support banking transformation initiatives across regions such as Latin America, Asia Pacific, and Africa, while also strengthening its presence in North America. According to him, banks in these markets are seeking partners with a strong understanding of regional needs and end to end delivery capabilities.
Vijay Padmanabhan, Chief Financial Officer at UST, described the acquisition as a strategically significant investment for the company’s banking and financial services portfolio. He said that Tailwind’s experience in delivering digital banking solutions and its partnerships with established platform providers enhance the value offered to financial institutions.Padmanabhan noted that the addition of Tailwind’s team strengthens UST’s ability to support banks in delivering improved customer experiences through modern technology platforms and services.
Paulo Vieira, Co founder of Tailwind Business Ventures, said that joining UST represents an important next phase for the company. He stated that the alignment of values and long term client focus between the two organisations creates opportunities to scale Tailwind’s approach globally while continuing to prioritise strong client relationships.
UST and Tailwind did not disclose the value of the acquisition.At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.
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Lifestyle entrepreneurs and cinema converge as The Glenwalk Lions enter ASTCL ownership fold
Sanjay Dutt, actor and producer, along with Mokksh Sani, Founder of Living Liquidz and Cartel Bros, and Manish Sani, expand into sports led creator entertainment through team ownership
The intersection of entertainment, lifestyle entrepreneurship, and sports continues to evolve as The Glenwalk Lions joined the ownership lineup of the All Stars Ball Tennis Cricket League Season 2. The move marks an expansion into sports led creator driven entertainment by actor and producer Sanjay Dutt, alongside entrepreneurs Mokksh Sani and Manish Sani.
The league is scheduled to be held from February 9 to February 14, 2026, at the Wings Sports Centre in Bandra West, Mumbai. The tournament will be streamed on the Sony Sports Network. Curated by GS Sports, the league follows the theme Bachpan Ka Khel Karega Entertain, blending competitive tennis ball cricket with the presence of content creators and film and television personalities.Positioned as a sports entertainment property within the creator economy, the league features 10 teams competing in a league cum knockout format. The top two teams will qualify for the semifinals. The format is designed to deliver short form high energy matches aimed at engaging audiences both at the venue and across digital platforms.
The Glenwalk Lions will be captained by actor Aamir Ali, with Surya Sharma and Vikas Jain also leading the team. The Lions will open their campaign on February 9 against Delhi Dragons, setting the stage for the start of the season.Season 2 also brings together a wide roster of film and television personalities, including Arjun Bijlani, Karanvir Bohra, Rohit Roy, Prince Narula, Karan Wahi, Karanveer Mehra, and Aly Goni, among others.
Speaking about the association, Mokksh Sani said that the league reflects the energy of a creator first entertainment ecosystem. He stated that investing in The Glenwalk Lions aligned with their belief in platforms that build community engagement, while also supporting charitable causes through sport.He added that the league represents a strategic extension of their lifestyle focused brand philosophy and connects youth culture, entertainment, and sport. Ownership of the team, he noted, allows them to contribute to a purpose driven initiative alongside competitive play.
Sanjay Dutt echoed similar views, saying that his interest in the league stemmed from its underlying purpose rather than competition alone. He said that the collaboration between cinema and sport offers an opportunity to create broader social impact, with The Glenwalk Lions representing more than just a bid for sporting success.In keeping with its stated objectives, a portion of the league’s proceeds will be directed toward charitable causes. The organisers have positioned social responsibility as a key component alongside entertainment and competition.
Season 2 matches are expected to be broadcast live on the Sony Sports Network, continuing the league’s existing broadcast partnership. Fans will also be able to follow updates and behind the scenes content through the official ASTCL digital platforms.At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.
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Delays in thyroid cancer diagnosis persist despite high treatability at HCG Cancer Centre
Dr Nikhil Mehta, Consultant Onco Surgeon at HCG Cancer Centre, Mansarovar Jaipur, discusses how missed early symptoms continue to affect timely detection in India
Delays in the diagnosis of thyroid cancer continue to affect patient outcomes in India, even though the disease is considered highly treatable when identified early. The challenge often begins with symptoms that appear minor and do not interfere with daily life, leading many individuals to postpone medical consultation until the condition becomes more serious.
According to Dr Nikhil Mehta, Consultant Onco Surgeon at the HCG Cancer Centre, early warning signs of thyroid cancer are frequently overlooked. He explains that a small, painless swelling in the neck, mild changes in voice, or a sensation of fullness in the throat are often ignored or attributed to temporary causes such as stress or infection.The thyroid gland is located at the base of the neck and plays a key role in regulating metabolism, energy levels, and body temperature. When cancer develops in this gland, symptoms in the initial stages are subtle. As a result, many cases are detected only during medical examinations or scans conducted for unrelated health concerns.
Dr Mehta notes that limited public awareness remains a significant factor behind delayed diagnosis. When individuals are unaware that persistent neck changes require evaluation, opportunities for early intervention are missed. He adds that early discussion and timely medical advice can make a substantial difference in outcomes.Family members and caregivers often play an important role in recognising early changes. Visible swelling, fatigue, or difficulty swallowing may be noticed by those close to the patient before the individual seeks care. Encouraging open conversations around such symptoms can reduce hesitation and shorten the time between symptom onset and diagnosis.
Unlike certain other cancers, thyroid cancer does not have a routine population wide screening programme in India. Screening is largely risk based. Individuals with a family history of thyroid disorders, prior radiation exposure to the head or neck, long standing thyroid nodules, or hormonal imbalances are advised to remain more vigilant. Women, particularly in middle age, are also more likely to experience thyroid related conditions and should not ignore persistent symptoms.Clinical examination of the neck and ultrasound imaging are commonly used to assess thyroid nodules. These non invasive methods help determine whether further investigation is required. However, access to specialised diagnostic procedures remains uneven, particularly outside urban centres, contributing to delays in confirmation and treatment.
Fear of surgery or lifelong medication can also discourage patients from pursuing timely evaluation. Cultural tendencies to normalise discomfort and prioritise family responsibilities over personal health further add to the delay, especially among caregivers and working women.Dr Mehta emphasises that outcomes improve significantly when thyroid cancer is diagnosed early. Treatment typically involves surgery followed by appropriate medical management and long term monitoring. Early detection often results in less extensive procedures, fewer complications, and better quality of life after treatment.
He adds that improving awareness is a form of preventive care. Recognising that some cancers progress quietly and acting on persistent symptoms can lead to timely diagnosis and effective treatment. A simple neck examination, when done without delay, can help address the condition before it advances.At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.